Charles Dickens Tells Jesus’ Story in Animated ‘King of Kings’

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When I decided to bring my family to watch this movie, I wasn’t quite sure what it would be like. Based on the trailers, it seemed like an enjoyable animated film for both adults and children as Easter drew near. However, instead of the expected entertaining adventure, we found ourselves watching a straightforward account of Christ’s life, cleverly presented through the storytelling technique of a father recounting the tale of the King of Kings to his son. Despite its simplicity, it carried a powerful impact. Sometimes, simplicity can be more effective than complexity.

Angel Studios’ movie titled “The King of Kings“, penned and helmed by Seong-ho Jang, offers a depiction of Christ’s life, inspired by Charles Dickens‘ manuscript, “The Life of Our Lord“. The narrative begins with a theatrical reading of “A Christmas Carol” by none other than Charles Dickens (portrayed by Kenneth Branagh), who is momentarily disrupted by his mischievous son, Walter (Roman Griffin Davis). The young lad manages to outshine his father on stage, even managing to upstage the family cat. A backstage altercation erupts, relationships strain, and hearts ache. But what can one do with a child so captivated by Arthurian tales? Why, share with him the tale of the King of Kings!

As a movie enthusiast, I’d say: In my perspective, Charles could use his manuscript about Christ’s life to reconnect with Walter and perhaps ignite his curiosity. The tale unfolds as they delve into the narrative, witnessing the birth, death, and resurrection of Jesus, depicted by Dickens. Their shared journey offers moments of laughter or sets the tone as they respond to the story’s evolving events. Through this experience, both characters learn valuable lessons: Walter finds himself drawn to the tale of Jesus, while Charles realizes that sharing this narrative with his son is just as rewarding—if not more profound—than enacting A Christmas Carol for an audience.

In my personal opinion, I found the movie remarkably impactful due to its straightforward approach and skillfully crafted narrative. The portrayal of events closely mirrored the scriptures, and any creative liberties taken, such as certain depictions or translations, were tastefully done without overstepping boundaries. The voice cast’s dedication was evident, with no signs of half-hearted performances. Oscar Isaac’s interpretation of Jesus was filled with emotion and authenticity. Mark Hamill added a touch of humor as King Herod, while Ben Kingsley, Forest Whitaker, and others in the cast delivered compelling performances that brought depth to their roles. Overall, despite not requiring grandeur for a children-friendly retelling of Jesus’ life, the movie exceeded expectations, reminding me slightly of “The Prince of Egypt” in this aspect.

The artistic decisions favored a playful, animated style that still packed a punch. The animation was top-notch and the scenery burst with intricate details. Kim Tae-seong’s music perfectly enhanced these visuals, drawing viewers deep into each scene and emotion. Alongside Woo-hyung Kim’s camera work, they crafted an eye-catching, colorful masterpiece. They bravely portrayed the process of Jesus’ crucifixion without explicit violence or gore, maintaining its impact—a consideration parents with young children may want to ponder carefully.

One small concern I had was the length of 101 minutes. Toward the finish, my child began to grow restless as their focus seemed to wane. Given the nature of the story, it’s hard to make significant cuts without weakening its impact. Otherwise, I didn’t find anything to fault with it.

The King of Kings” is a fantastic film that delves into the life of Jesus, making it suitable not only for children but also for grown-ups. I wholeheartedly endorse it. Wishing you and your loved ones a blessed Easter week!

★★★★★

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2025-04-12 23:00